Nearly 100 new beach huts are set to grace an in-demand Kent beach as part of plans to transform the area.
A total of £1.5million is set to be invested into the sandy Greatstone beach which is so popular that 700 people are currently on a waiting list for beach huts.
The Romney Marsh Coastal Destination project, which has been greenlit to commence next year, will include 93 new huts, a visitor hub with a cafe, improved water sports facilities and a car park.
The eagerly anticipated huts should be ready by autumn.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) gave the nod to plans for the vibrantly coloured huts in June. The council itself crafted the proposal, envisioning the huts to stretch along 175m of the coastline near Coast Drive.
However, during a cabinet meeting on November 13, Cllr Jeremy Speakman (Green) disclosed an “unforeseen budget shortfall”. He lauded the project’s popularity and local support, highlighting its benefits, especially as it includes a visitor centre, reports Kent Live.
Cllr Speakman said that the total budget had exceeded £1.5 million, with nearly £900,000 coming from FHDC and additional funding from Magnox, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions from developers.
He added: “Information was received from UK Power Networks (UKPN) that there was insufficient grid capacity, and the project would require a nice new shiny substation. Their initial quote was robustly challenged by the team and the team obtained third party quotes for a much reduced price.”
Despite the need for an extra £140,000 to cover costs, deputy leader of FHDC Cllr Tim Prater (Lib Dem) assured the meeting that the project is still expected to net the council a profit exceeding £2m over two decades. A council officer clarified that while the huts won’t be equipped with electricity, the visitor centre and upcoming EV (electric vehicle) charging points will require it.
Cllr Prater expressed his annoyance at UKPN’s hefty charges, despite none of the beach huts being fitted with power. Currently, there are huts on Folkestone beach near the Lower Leas Coastal Park, but demand far exceeds supply, with hundreds on a waiting list for available rentals.
During a full council meeting on November 27, Cllr David Wimble (Reform), representing the Greatstone area, requested an update on the project, highlighting its potential as a significant future revenue source. Delivering that update, Cllr Speakman said: “Officers have been working hard on the project to overcome a number of challenges.
“The main works contract is currently out to tender and the intention is to appoint a contract before Christmas. Works on site are expected to commence at the end of February following the winter bird migration season and works are expected to continue to completion on site until next autumn, when the beach huts will be ready to rent.”
The development will feature public lavatories, changing facilities, a cafe, and an educational area within the visitor centre. The centre will also provide storage, classrooms, and retail space for watersports enterprises.
Originally proposed in 2021, the scheme initially included 106 beach huts. However, this number has since been scaled down.
